Liverpool started their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, sealed by a 92nd-minute header from captain Virgil van Dijk. The win, echoed their perfect start to the Premier League season. Despite racing to a two-goal lead early on, Liverpool was forced to dig deep after Atlético fought back to equalize, setting the stage for a dramatic climax.
Liverpool looked to have the game won within the first six minutes, with goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Robertson's opener came in the fourth minute via a deflection, and Salah doubled the lead just two minutes later after a brilliant exchange of passes with Ryan Gravenberch. The swift start suggested a comfortable night, but Atlético Madrid, led by coach Diego Simeone, had other plans.
The Spanish side, pulled off an unlikely comeback with two goals from Marcos Llorente. The full-back-turned-midfielder, who now has four Champions League goals at Anfield, first reduced the deficit in first-half injury time with a toe-poke that went through Ibrahima Konaté's legs. He then silenced Anfield by volleying in a deflected equalizer in the 81st minute. The dramatic turn of events frustrated Simeone, who was sent off by the referee for his protests.
The match also saw the debut of British record signing Alexander Isak. The striker, who was making his first start of the season, showed glimpses of his talent but looked rusty and was substituted in the 58th minute. His link-up play with new teammate Florian Wirtz was a positive takeaway for Liverpool fans, as the pair "dovetailed superbly in the first half." While Isak's introduction was quiet, he showed enough to suggest a bright future.
As Dominik Szoboszlai swung in a late corner, Van Dijk rose highest to power a header past Jan Oblak, sending a roar through the Kop. The late winner was Liverpool’s third decisive goal in the 90th minute or later this season, a trend that coach Arne Slot says he wants to avoid despite the perfect results. "A game like this should not have gone to a late winner," Slot said. "I understand that's the story of this game and the last five games, but for me it is a different game than the ones we played before."
